Hill A1 - "Mud, blood, and flowers"

Seventy years ago, during those fiery months, following the signal to detonate a 960kg explosive charge and after eight hours of the fourth offensive, our troops completely destroyed the A1 stronghold at 4:30 AM on May 7, 1954. Over 39 days and nights of fierce fighting, we eliminated four battalions, inflicted heavy losses on three mobile French battalions, and killed 825 French soldiers. However, in return, 2,516 officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army perished here, their blood soaking every inch of land and every meter of trench on the stronghold. A1 – the "key" to the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex – was completely destroyed. Liberating this stronghold created a springboard for the soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army to attack and capture General De Castries and the entire Command of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex, achieving a victory that "shook the world and resonated across continents."

Today, after 70 years, Hill A1 has donned a new look alongside the enduring relics of the fiery battle. The Hill A1 historical site has become a must-visit destination on any journey back to the past. Particularly noteworthy is the vibrant red blossoming of the flame trees on the hilltop in April, welcoming visitors to reminisce about the fiery storm of the "final high point" 70 years ago. According to statistics from the Provincial Relics Management Board, during this April period, the Hill A1 historical site receives an average of 2,000 visitors per day.

On the eve of the historic month of May, the vibrant red flame trees on Hill A1 begin to bloom.

Hill A1 was a strategically important fortified stronghold of the French colonialists that was captured by the 249th Battalion, 174th Regiment, 316th Division on the night of May 6, 1954.

After 70 years, the A1 Hill historical site remains a must-see destination for tourists from all over the world when visiting and learning about the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

The excitement of visitors from all over the world when visiting the A1 Hill historical site.

The tour guide gave a presentation about the sacrifices and great contributions of the older generation in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign at Hill A1.

The remains of nearly one ton of explosives, a crucial factor in the victory of our army and people at Hill A1, laid the groundwork for the final assault on the Command Headquarters of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex.

The Dien Bien Phu campaign lasted 56 days and nights, with the battle at Hill A1 accounting for 39 days and nights of fighting, resulting in the deaths of over 2,500 soldiers. In the photo: A mass grave of four martyrs on Hill A1.

Visitors respectfully pay tribute to the martyrs who fell on Hill A1.

The trenches and bunkers of the A1 stronghold have been restored to serve tourists from all over the world.

The vibrant red blossoms of the flamboyant tree symbolize enduring vitality and the resilience to rebuild the homeland amidst the ruins of war.

Groups of tourists visit the former battlefield at Hill A1.

Tourists take photos and check in at the hilltop marked A1 and the words "Mud, Blood, and Flowers," vividly depicting the tragic yet heroic past of the nation.

Source: https://baodienbienphu.com.vn/tin-tuc/ky%20niem%2070%20nam/214742/doi-a1---%E2%80%9Cbun-mau-va-hoa%E2%80%9D